Arsenal

Arsenal

Premier League • England

Arsenal tipped to make £22m bid for Tottenham target eyed as the perfect foil for Harry Kane

Roma forward Nicolo Zaniolo

A classy Arsenal and Tottenham target may be available for free in 2024, but reports out of Italy have claimed the Gunners could act early in 2023 by lodging a £22m bid.

Additions in the forward ranks are in high demand at the Emirates at present. Mikel Arteta already boasts one of the most threatening and energetic attacks in the league through Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka.

However, Jesus’ knee surgery is expected to rule him out for up to three months and January reinforcements are on the agenda.

Arsenal’s primary target in that regard is fast becoming Mykhaylo Mudryk. The Ukraine ace is strongly pushing for a move to north London and according to the reliable Gianluca Di Marzio, a deal can be made for far less than first thought.

However, today’s update regards Arsenal’s plans further into the future, with reports in Italy claiming a summer bid for Roma’s Nicolo Zaniolo is under consideration.

The 23-year-old is one of the brightest talents Italy has produced in recent times, though his early career has been dogged by injury.

The classy forward has suffered two ACL injuries that’s robbed him of around 18 months of his career.

Zaniolo is fully over his injury travails and is back featuring regularly for Jose Mourinho in Rome. However, there’s growing speculation a parting of the ways is in order.

Zaniolo future lays away from Roma?

Zaniolo’s current deal is due to expire in 2024, and per Italian outlet Radio Radio, an extension hasn’t been discussed in any way, shape or form as yet.

Instead, it’s hinted Roma have reservations about committing to the size of salary Zaniolo will command in his next contract. That’s opened the door for richer overseas suitors, namely Tottenham and Arsenal.

Spurs have been linked with Zaniolo for some time thanks in large part to their strong Italian connection. Antonio Conte and Fabio Paratici have enjoyed great success when poaching top class stars from Italy, such as Cristian Romero, Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski.

TuttoMercatoWeb previously reported Spurs see Zaniolo as a player capable of thriving if playing off of Harry Kane. Zaniolo primarily operates as a No 10, though can also play wide.

Arsenal tipped for 2023 bid

However, Radio Radio instead tout Spurs’ north London rivals when stating the ‘sirens of Arsenal are heard’ loud and clear in Rome.

Expanding on that vague statement, the report adds Arsenal could make Roma’s mind up for them by lodging a €25m (approx. £22m) bid for Zaniolo next summer.

That is a far more modest figure than has been quoted alongside Zaniolo in the past. However, it perhaps represents two things – the player’s struggle with injuries and his contract winding down.

Zaniolo is also labelled a ‘background’ target of Juventus and AC Milan. The latter would likely only make a move if forced into selling Rafael Leao.

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